Virtual Community

On November 17, Saint John’s virtual event series resumed with a lecture by Fr. Daniel Cardo. Laity, seminarians, diaconal candidates, and priests attended an hour-long lecture entitled “The Art of Preaching,” which was based on Fr. Cardo’s 2021 book with the same title.

Father Cardo began with the Church’s need for preaching. Prepared, spiritual preaching leads the faithful to communion with Chirst. It also offers the priest an opportunity for spiritual growth. Fr. Cardo observed, “In preparing a homily well, we can find a unity between our prayer, our study, and our pastoral work.” Lively conversation followed the lecture, as men in priestly or diaconal formation sought advice for improving their own homilies.

A wide cross-section of New England Catholics heard Fr. Cardo’s message. Alex Charow, a pre-theology seminarian for the Archdiocese of Boston, remarked: “[The webinar] brought people from all walks of life together for talks. With Fr. Cardo, we had senior priests, men in formation to be permanent deacons, and the laity, plus SJS seminarians. It’s nice to know that his message can reach such a wide audience.” This diversity let Saint John’s share its resources with preachers across the region, enriching the lives of thousands of Catholics who will one day hear them preach.

The monthly series continued throughout the academic year. On December 1, 2021, renowned spiritual director Fr. Timothy Gallagher led a virtual retreat to begin the Advent season. Preparations are underway for a lecture by Fr. John Gavin, SJ, on January 18, 2022. The author or editor of five books and a professor of historical theology at the College of the Holy Cross, Fr. Gavin will lead a webinar entitled “Examining the Our Father,” exploring the theological riches of the Lord’s Prayer. Registration is free and open to the public.